Man jailed for life for murder of mother of three

A man has been jailed for life to serve a minimum of 27 years for the murder of a mother of three from Southend at her home in July 2011.

Martin Bunch, 44, was found guilty of the murder of 47-year-old Jeanette Goodwin following a four week trial at Chelmsford Crown Court on Tuesday, August 14.

A jury found Bunch guilty of the murder of his former partner at her home in Quebec Avenue in Southend on July 24, 2011.

Mrs Goodwin died after Bunch went to her home armed with a knife he had brought with him from his mother’s address and stabbed her in excess of 30 times to the chest.

Senior investigating officer, DCI Simon Werrett, said: “The sentence imposed by the court today will not bring Jeanette back, but it will provide some comfort to the family that Bunch will be in prison for a minimum of 27 years, which should ensure another family does not go through the heartache and distress they have.

"As the judge said 'Bunch is wicked, callous and has shown absolutely no remorse for murdering Jeanette', the sentence today reflected those words. He fully deserves the sentence.”

Above: Jeanette Goodwin

Following Bunch’s sentencing Jeanette’s family said: “Jeanette’s death could have been avoided if only the court system had taken the initial reports of violence more seriously. Bunch was given bail by the courts with conditions not to contact Jeanette which he ignored, he was tagged, this did not stop him, he simply cut them off, he showed no regard for the courts system but despite this they still allowed him freedom to which he took full advantage and we are now paying for that, as he took Jeanette’s life. The criminal justice system has to change and appropriate measures must be taken to ensure criminals are locked up sooner and victims protected.”

Summing up the family's thoughts they said: “Justice has rightfully been served upon what we can only describe as an animal.

“Having heard during the trial how Jeanette tried to deal with the enormity of the situation alone and finally having the courage to go to the police the family want to raise the awareness of domestic violence and make it the forefront of peoples minds, to help women and men come forward and not be afraid to seek help with the confidence that they have full support of our justice system.

“The family knew very little of Jeanette’s difficulties until it was far too late, they hope that procedures can be changed so that families are made aware of what is going on at the time so that they too can help to support the victim. They would like to prevent any other family having to go through what they have been through.

“Jeanette was an amazing, beautiful person, a dedicated loving mother to her children and one of the most selfless people God created, she deserved the right to a peaceful life and she will be greatly missed more than words can express. The family and friends of Jeanette Goodwin can finally begin to grieve their loss.”